Abstract
Molybdenum mineralization is recognized in addition to Pb-Zn skarn mineralization at the Nakatatsu mine. The mineralization consists of: (1) quartz-molybdenite veins; (2) molybdenite films or paints along joints with or without clay minerals; (3) disseminated molybdenite. The ore bodies are hosted in quartz porphyry, plagioclase porphyry, non-calcareous sedimentary rocks and Pb-Zn skarn ore bodies. The host rocks show enrichment in Mo, F, Ca, Mn, Co, Zn, Ag, Sn, W, Pb, Bi and depletion in Na, V, Sr and Ba. Among these elements, F, V and W have correlation with Mo, and Mn, Zn, Sn, W and Pb are correlated with Ca. The non-calcareous country rocks have suffered phyllic alteration. The mode of occurrence of molybdenite, alteration assemblage and geochemical characteristics suggest that the molybdenum mineralization at Nakatatsu is of porphyry type and has some similarities with the Climax-type mineralization.
